Construction on the revamped Thoko Mngoma Clinic in Alexandra has been completed and the health facility is set to open in the near future.

Following the R18 million refurbishment, the clinic now boasts 22 newly upgraded consulting rooms, a modern reception area, a facility for disposing medical waste and an underground parking bay to accommodate 16 staff vehicles.

Established in 1912, Alexandra is home to an estimated 350 000 people. The clinic is expected to provide much-needed medical care in the sprawling township. The Thoko Mngoma Clinic is one of four clinics serving the greater Alexandra area, which includes River Park and Marlboro.

The project to refurbish the Thoko Mngoma Clinic was undertaken by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) in 2014, but the initial contractor could not complete the project on time, prompting the JDA to appoint Shomang Construction to complete the job in March 2017.

The JDA consulted members of the community to understand their needs and required contractors to use mainly local labour in the construction of the clinic.

The project created 109 jobs in the ward during the construction phase. Both local labourers and SMMEs benefitted by getting employment and training during the construction phase as well as gaining skills and experience which they will utilise in the future to grow their businesses. In the long term, additional staff will be employed on full time basis to service the now much bigger clinic during operational phase.

The projects in 2017 achieved a quota of 29.68% for SMME’s for: various trades including the roof plaster, concrete reinforcement and electrical installation.

The JDA Acting CEO Christo Botes is confident that in partnership with local communities and stakeholders, the JDA has co-produced solutions to meet local needs and mitigate challenges.

“We are happy that we have delivered a solid, modern structure that will meet the health needs of the community in an efficient and effective way.”